“Show trees are full trees,” Boon tells us. In need of a second tree to display with my root over rock trident maple, I searched my garden for full trees. I found one, but it was clear that not all full trees are show trees.
Japanese black pine
My optimistic side figured that some selective wiring and needle pulling could prepare the tree for show. After finishing this work, I found myself on the fence.
After selective wiring and needle plucking
Being on the fence, it turns out, didn’t fill the gap next to my trident maple – the tree was going in the show.
After repotting
A relatively new Yamaaki pot I found in Japan turned out to be a good fit for the pine. And although it’s not as developed as I’d like for a show tree, it’s not too far off. Later this year I’ll reduce the silhouette, especially on the left side, to get the branches in better sync with the trunk. If all goes well, I’ll show it again at Bay Island Bonsai’s 15th annual exhibit, “Made in the USA” – a bonsai exhibit featuring no imported trees.
If you missed Tuesday’s post, you can see the tree as displayed at the 2012 BIB exhibit.
Subscribe to Bonsai Tonight
New Posts Delivered Every Tuesday and Friday
anijhuis says
Hi Jonas – That Mt Hemlock is one that I collected – since they have stomata on both sides of the needles they need cool night time temperatures in order to respire properly. High night time temperatures forces the stomata to be kept closed – they also enjoy misting (Heavy night dews). The new growth is very tender also, I have a small blog I started and will post more as time goes on at anijhuis.wordpress. The soil I use is fish compost, when collected the trees are very chloritic and the fish compost encourages root growth as well as supplying much needed iron in a chelated form. But I warned Boon that they may not do well in California
Take Care
Anton
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Anton – thanks so much for the note! The tree is really happy in your soil – I’ll be sure to keep up the iron and organic fertilizer. I also see there’s a lot of good information on your site – I’ll be sure to read it all and will let you know how the tree does in the Bay Area. Best, Jonas